Columbus, MS: Spring Pilgrimage

travelsouthNov 11, 2018

Explore classic Southern architecture, food, and hospitality in historic Columbus, Mississippi. The rich history of this unique city comes to life in the 79th Annual Spring Pilgrimage. Take part in a piece of history from March 28th through April 6th in “The City that Has It All!”

Long before legendary playwright Tennessee Williams was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, he was just a simple Southern boy living in Columbus, a place that shaped him. After his rise to fame, he often returned home, where he was greeted with familiar hospitality and open arms. This kindness isn’t uniquely available to native sons, but is ready and waiting for all.

For 79 years now, locals and visitors have reveled in the rich history, architecture, and lively stories that await around every corner in Columbus. During the Civil War, Columbus opened its churches and homes to the wounded. It’s well known status as a “hospital town” was what saved the antebellum and Victorian homes, which still line the streets today. Noted as one of the most authentic home tours in the region, the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage showcases over 650 historic properties within the city’s three National Register Historic Districts. The Home and Garden Tours will take you through some of our area’s most storied homes and gardens over the course of ten days. Hop aboard a carriage or double decker bus to take in all of the sights between the tours.

Rest assured that when you take part in the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage, you’ll experience much more than beautiful architecture and homes – you will find yourself treated to the highest level of hospitality around. Join the community for the official Kickoff Party featuring a lively crawfish and shrimp boil. This event will be complete with live music and a whole lot of fun. Get moving at the 6th Annual Pilgrimage Run Half Marathon/5k. Dive into the local culture with fresh, fried catfish and live blues tunes in Columbus’ historic Catfish Alley and peruse handcrafted works of art and food items from local artisans. Tales of the Crypt will bring to life the noted personalities that lie in the city’s historic cemetery. The beloved Garden Party is where you can sip mint juleps and nibble on cheese straws in perfect Southern style!

Go to VisitColumbusMS.org for a complete list of attractions and events, and to see why Columbus is “The City That Has It All!” Come help us embrace and celebrate all of our city’s rich history as we serve up a full feast of irresistible cultural flavors and true-to-the-core Southern hospitality.